Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised Mohamed Salah’s professionalism after leaving the forward out of the starting lineup for Sunday’s 2-0 win over West Ham.
It was the first time Salah had been dropped for a Premier League match since April 2024, and it followed a run of nine defeats in 12 games in all competitions.
The Egyptian international, who scored 29 league goals last season to win the Golden Boot, has managed only four in the league this campaign.
Slot acknowledged that Salah was displeased with the decision.
Slot said it was a “fair assumption” that Salah was unhappy about being an unused substitute at London Stadium.
“That’s a normal reaction from a player that’s good enough to play for us, and I say that mildly because he has been so outstanding for this club for so many years and will be for the future,” Slot said.
“He wasn’t the only one who wasn’t happy that he wasn’t starting and that is normal.”
Despite the frustration, Slot highlighted Salah’s attitude during the build-up.
“He is so disciplined – he knows what to do to stay fit,” Slot said.
“No matter if he plays well or if he doesn’t play well, if he plays or doesn’t play, he will always be that top professional and that’s what he was in the last two days.
“With all players around their world, there are also phases in your time at the club that they are human. He’s scored so many goals for us and I am sure he will in the future.”
Slot also confirmed Liverpool face a spell without Salah when he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations on 15 December, with the final scheduled for 18 January 2026.
“We have to find a way to play without him because he won’t be here,” Slot said.
Liverpool, the defending champions, sit eighth in the Premier League and nine points behind leaders Arsenal. They face Sunderland at home on Wednesday before travelling to Leeds on Saturday.
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